Title VI

The President’s Title VI Nondiscrimination Statement

The University of Texas at Austin, as a recipient of federal financial assistance and under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes, ensures that no person shall on the grounds of race, religion (where the primary objective of the financial assistance is to provide employment per 42 U.S.C. S 2000d-3), color, national origin, sex, age, or disability be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any University programs or activities.

Gregory L. Fenves, President
The University of Texas at Austin

Title VI Of The Civil Rights Act Of 1964

Title VI, 42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq., was enacted as part of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964. It prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. Federal law also prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, age, and disability. As President John F. Kennedy said in 1963:

“Simple justice requires that public funds, to which all taxpayers of all races [colors, and national origins] contribute, not be spent in any fashion which encourages, entrenches, subsidizes or results in racial [color or national origin] discrimination.”

Discrimination can be defined as “making a difference in treatment or to favor on a basis other than individual merit.” The role of the Office for Inclusion and Equity is to create awareness through training and other communication methods, investigate complaints, and ensure compliance across campus.

Your Rights Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

“No person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”

What is Title VI?

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the federal law that protects individuals from discrimination on the basis of their race, color, or national origin in programs that receive federal financial assistance.

What programs are covered by Title VI?

Approximately 30 federal agencies provide federal financial assistance in the form of funds, training, and technical and other assistance to state and local governments, and non-profit and private organizations. These recipients of federal assistance, in turn, operate programs and deliver benefits and services to individuals (known as “beneficiaries”) to achieve the goals of the federal legislation that authorizes the programs.

Federally assisted programs address such broad and diverse areas as:

Elementary, secondary, and higher education

Health care, social services, and public welfare

Public transportation

Parks and recreation

Natural resources and the environment

Employment and job training

Housing and community development

Law enforcement and the administration of justice

Agriculture and nutrition

What discrimination is prohibited by Title VI?

There are many forms of illegal discrimination based on race, color, or national origin that can limit the opportunity of minorities to gain equal access to services and programs. Among other things, in operating a federally assisted program, a recipient cannot, on the basis of race, color, or national origin, either directly or through contractual means:

Deny program services, aids, or benefits

Provide a different service, aid, or benefit, or provide services in a manner different than they are provided to others

Segregate or separately treat individuals in any matter related to the receipt of any service, aid, or benefit

How can I file a Title VI discrimination complaint?

Each agency that receives or provides federal financial assistance is responsible for investigating complaints of discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in the use of its funds. If you believe that you or others protected by Title VI have been discriminated against, you should file a complaint with the Office for Inclusion and Equity.

UT Austin has a complaint procedure and the Title VI Coordinator is responsible for investigating all Title VI complaints. Any individuals who believe they have been discriminated against should contact equity@utexas.edu. The complaint procedures for The University of Texas at Austin are as follows: Title VI complaints must be filed with the Office for Inclusion and Equity within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory act. A written complaint should include:

Your name, address, telephone number, and signature.

The name and address of the program or department you believe discriminated against you.

How, why, and when you believe you were discriminated against and the names of those involved, if known. Include as much background information as possible about the alleged acts of discrimination.

The names of any persons that the coordinator could contact for additional information to support or clarify your allegations.

What will The University of Texas at Austin do with my complaint?

Once a complaint is filed, it will be reviewed by the Title VI Coordinator to determine if the issues you have raised are valid under Title VI. The Title VI Coordinator will investigate your allegations and attempt to resolve any violations found.

What if the recipient retaliates against me for asserting my rights or filing a complaint?

You should be aware that a recipient, including The University of Texas at Austin, is prohibited from retaliating against you or any individuals because they opposed an unlawful policy or practice, or made charges, testified, or participated in any complaint action under Title VI. If you believe that you have been retaliated against, you should immediately contact the Title VI Coordinator to investigate your complaint.

The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in the education programs and activities pursuant to the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 As Amended.

Inquiries and charges of violation concerning Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, the ADA, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) or any of the other above referenced policies should be directed to the Office for Inclusion and Equity.

This information is contained in the Title VI brochure. A copy of the Title VI brochure is available in the Office for Inclusion and Equity at 101 E. 27th street, Suite 4.302, STOP A9400, Austin, Texas 78712-1541.